 Prior to Colburn, between 2000 and June 2007, he was the President and CEO of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.During his time at the University of the Arts, the university grew in size and influence, earned wide recognition for inspiring and educating innovative artists and creative leaders, and created important initiatives such as the Center for the Creative Economy (CCE) named in his honor.During his tenure, enrollment increased significantly, the campus expanded, technology was enhanced and fundraising increased 375 percent.